City Kicks Off Summer Heat Relief Efforts

City of Phoenix officials today called for the community to join the annual outreach efforts of the Heat Relief Network to ensure the safety of homeless, seniors, disabled and other residents in need during the hot summer months.

Each summer the City of Phoenix works as part of the Heat Relief Network in cooperation with other government agencies, corporations, nonprofit and faith-based organizations to bring heat relief to individuals, families, seniors and the disabled who are homeless and at high risk as temperatures begin to reach over 100 degrees.

The city’s Human Services Department is educating seniors at its 15 senior centers about the dangers of heat exposure, how to recognize heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps. The department also makes sure that caseworkers and contracted meal delivery workers who come in contact with the elderly are advising seniors about the effects of heat and how to protect themselves during the summer.

“Our hot summer is especially dangerous for those who are homeless. I encourage all Phoenix residents to donate water and needed supplies to the many agencies that will be working to help the homeless through the summer,” said Mayor Greg Stanton.

“We also ask residents to check on and assist their neighbors, particularly children, the elderly and disabled during the hot months,” said Councilman Daniel Valenzuela, chairman, City Council Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee.

In addition, during the summer months, the city conducts its annual Summer Respite Program, asking the public to donate unopened water bottles, sunscreen, new underwear, white socks, white T-shirts, insect repellent and prepackaged snack items to be collected at the Human Services Department’s family services centers and distributed to the homeless by experienced homeless outreach teams.

Tax-deductible donations may be delivered to the city’s three Family Services Centers from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday:

Travis L. Williams, 4732 S. Central Ave., 602-534-4732

John F. Long, 3454 N. 51st Ave., 602-262-6510

Sunnyslope, 914 W. Hatcher Road, 602-495-5229

Information about the Heat Relief Network and Summer Respite program, as well as a comprehensive list of tips on how to stay safe and hydrated during the summer heat is available at phoenix.gov/humanservices.